7 answers
Asked
968 views
How can I find jobs in non-profit work ?
What tips do you have for people that want to go into non-profit finance?
Login to comment
7 answers
Updated
Udit’s Answer
Hello, I am work for a non-profit in their finance division. You will be able to secure a job by demonstrating 1. clear and strong understanding of finance (corporate finance skills, understanding of investment analysis, ROI, non-profit specific regulations, requirements, etc) 2. showing that you care about their mission by volunteering, building connections, reaching out to the cause/ community/ etc they serve...this will show the non-profit you apply to that not only are you well versed in finance but also that you care about giving back to the community.
Updated
Liliana’s Answer
Hi Josee! I would recommend starting by finding a cause that you're passionate about, for example: Animal welfare, human rights, affordable housing, etc. From there, you can search for non-profit organizations near you and check their open internships and volunteer/career opportunities. I started out as an Administrative Assistant at a non-profit. It was a great way to learn about the organization and if I liked the non-profit world. Another great idea is to begin by volunteering at non-profits you're considering/interested in.
A great resource I recommend checking out is NPO.net. This is a career website specifically for non-profit organizations.
Best of luck to you!
A great resource I recommend checking out is NPO.net. This is a career website specifically for non-profit organizations.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
REBECCA’s Answer
Love your question! I would recommend completing an internship at a Non Profit in the Finance department to see what it's like and if you can see yourself doing this for a long period of time. It doesn't have to be a long internship but enough to get to understand the process of how things flow and what tasks and activities might happen. If you could do an 8 week internship that might be enough!
Lisa Culvert
I am a college graduate with AA in Psychology who volunteers at the West Blvd Library as a Mentor to K-12 graders.
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Looking for a position with a Non-Profit Organization is a very rewarding opportunity. You should first decided what are your interest and choose your top three choices. Then you should create a well rounded resume ( with your credentials i.e. Degree), collect recommendations (at least three), and create a Cover Letter for each position, then post them to a Job Website (i.e. LINKEDIN or MONSTER for example). Check everyday to see if you received any Job Postings, apply to the ones you find that is closest to your Career goal. You might have to do a Visual Interview, take a Completion Course and have a Background Test for the position.
Taking these steps should get you into a good Volunteer/Paying position which can bring you great fulfillment and a "Feeling of Self-Worth."
Good-Luck!
Lisa Culvert
CPCC '23
Taking these steps should get you into a good Volunteer/Paying position which can bring you great fulfillment and a "Feeling of Self-Worth."
Good-Luck!
Lisa Culvert
CPCC '23
Updated
Becca’s Answer
There's a world of nonprofits out there, each one unique and exciting in its own way. Start by finding a field that really sparks your interest, and consider volunteering there or somewhere similar to get a feel for it. As you begin to discover what you love - be it development, events, programming, and so on - you'll start to find your focus. And once you do, you'll see there's no shortage of opportunities in the nonprofit world. They're always on the lookout for passionate people like you. So go ahead, dive in and good luck on your journey!
Updated
Kaitlin’s Answer
If you're specifically interested in non-profit finance, I would suggest:
- Completing a 4-year degree in finance or a related major
- Complete a finance-related internship. Interning at non-profits is a good way to get a non-profit job in general. Finance usually lives under the Development role at smaller non-profits. Interning at a business is also good experience.
- Non-profit boards usually have a finance committee. Reach out to a non-profit that interests you to see if you can volunteer for the Board finance committee. It is also a great way to meet community leaders with years of experience working in this field.
Best of luck!
- Completing a 4-year degree in finance or a related major
- Complete a finance-related internship. Interning at non-profits is a good way to get a non-profit job in general. Finance usually lives under the Development role at smaller non-profits. Interning at a business is also good experience.
- Non-profit boards usually have a finance committee. Reach out to a non-profit that interests you to see if you can volunteer for the Board finance committee. It is also a great way to meet community leaders with years of experience working in this field.
Best of luck!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Finding jobs in non-profit work requires a strategic approach similar to searching for jobs in any other field. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Self-assessment:
Determine your skills, passions, and interests within the non-profit sector. What causes or issues are you most passionate about? What skills can you bring to a non-profit organization?
Research:
Research non-profit organizations that align with your interests. Look for organizations that are focused on the causes or issues you care about. Websites like Idealist, Charity Navigator, and Guidestar can be valuable resources for finding non-profit organizations.
Network:
Attend non-profit events, conferences, and seminars in your area. This is an excellent way to meet people in the industry and learn about job opportunities.
Join non-profit-related groups on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with professionals in the field.
Create a strong resume and cover letter:
Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and passion for the cause in your resume.
Customize your cover letter for each application to show your specific interest in the organization and its mission.
Job search platforms:
Use job search websites like Idealist, LinkedIn, Nonprofit Jobs, and the career pages of specific non-profit organizations to look for job openings.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications when new positions that match your criteria become available.
Volunteer and intern:
Consider volunteering or interning at a non-profit organization, even if it's unpaid or part-time. This can help you gain valuable experience, build a network, and increase your chances of being hired for a full-time position.
Non-profit job boards:
Some websites specialize in non-profit job listings. Explore websites like Idealist, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Nonprofit HR for job postings.
Utilize your network:
Reach out to your professional and personal contacts who may have connections in the non-profit sector. Networking can often lead to job referrals.
Attend non-profit career fairs:
Look for non-profit career fairs in your area. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from various organizations.
Prepare for interviews:
Be ready to discuss your passion for the organization's mission, your relevant skills, and your commitment to non-profit work during interviews.
Be persistent:
The non-profit sector can be competitive, so don't get discouraged by rejection. Keep applying, networking, and improving your skills.
Consider remote opportunities:
Many non-profit organizations offer remote job opportunities, so be open to positions that may not be in your immediate geographic area.
Remember that non-profit work can be deeply rewarding but may not always offer the same level of financial compensation as for-profit sectors. However, the sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a positive impact on causes you care about can be a powerful motivator in pursuing a career in non-profit work.
Self-assessment:
Determine your skills, passions, and interests within the non-profit sector. What causes or issues are you most passionate about? What skills can you bring to a non-profit organization?
Research:
Research non-profit organizations that align with your interests. Look for organizations that are focused on the causes or issues you care about. Websites like Idealist, Charity Navigator, and Guidestar can be valuable resources for finding non-profit organizations.
Network:
Attend non-profit events, conferences, and seminars in your area. This is an excellent way to meet people in the industry and learn about job opportunities.
Join non-profit-related groups on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with professionals in the field.
Create a strong resume and cover letter:
Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and passion for the cause in your resume.
Customize your cover letter for each application to show your specific interest in the organization and its mission.
Job search platforms:
Use job search websites like Idealist, LinkedIn, Nonprofit Jobs, and the career pages of specific non-profit organizations to look for job openings.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications when new positions that match your criteria become available.
Volunteer and intern:
Consider volunteering or interning at a non-profit organization, even if it's unpaid or part-time. This can help you gain valuable experience, build a network, and increase your chances of being hired for a full-time position.
Non-profit job boards:
Some websites specialize in non-profit job listings. Explore websites like Idealist, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Nonprofit HR for job postings.
Utilize your network:
Reach out to your professional and personal contacts who may have connections in the non-profit sector. Networking can often lead to job referrals.
Attend non-profit career fairs:
Look for non-profit career fairs in your area. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from various organizations.
Prepare for interviews:
Be ready to discuss your passion for the organization's mission, your relevant skills, and your commitment to non-profit work during interviews.
Be persistent:
The non-profit sector can be competitive, so don't get discouraged by rejection. Keep applying, networking, and improving your skills.
Consider remote opportunities:
Many non-profit organizations offer remote job opportunities, so be open to positions that may not be in your immediate geographic area.
Remember that non-profit work can be deeply rewarding but may not always offer the same level of financial compensation as for-profit sectors. However, the sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a positive impact on causes you care about can be a powerful motivator in pursuing a career in non-profit work.